Born on February 18, 1933, in Lake Arthur, LA, Shirley was the daughter of Marvin and Alma Beadle. She grew up between southern Louisiana and Mississippi and later pursued higher education at Louisiana State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her early career was dedicated to teaching second grade, a role through which she touched many young lives before choosing to devote herself fully to her family as a homemaker.
Shirley married Robert Smith, with whom she shared a long and loving partnership. Together they raised two children: Kevin Smith and the late Lisa Smith Siben. Shirley’s legacy continues through her grandchildren—Danielle Mize (Adam), Laura Dequeant (Adam), Rachel Smith, and Tanya Smith (Charles)—and her great-grandchildren: Adam David Mize, Emma Mize, Natalie Dequeant, and Lisa Walton.
A woman of quiet strength and enduring grace, Shirley found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a lifelong love for sewing, gardening, and traveling. Whether tending to her garden or on a trip she embraced each day with thoughtfulness and care.
Shirley will be remembered by those who knew her for her devotion to family and the warmth she brought into every room. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in her life.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home in Columbia, MS, on November 24, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by the funeral service at 1:00 pm. Reverend Santiago Shol will officiate and burial will follow at Grace Chapel Cemetery in Sandy Hook, MS assisted by Mark Stafford, David Siben, Adam Mize, Adam D. Mize, Adam Dequeant, and Kevin Smith as pallbearers.
